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Waratahs Capitulate as the Brumbies book a date with the Crusaders

Image: Allsport

The spy called it a month ago- a Brumbies v Crusaders final and I hope some of you out there jumped on the odds of $8 that were being offered for the Brumbies to win the title (the spy had a $100).

Waratahs v Brumbies

The Waratahs capitulated under the relentless pressure of the Brumbies to bow out in the race to be crowned Super 12 Champions 51 - 10. The Tahs scored first through a Burke penalty but the Brumbies hit back with a superb bull dozing run from Greame Bond to head to the Break up 10 - 3.

Julian Huxley kicked a superb 50m penalty on the commencement of play, but an intercept by Scott Staniforth narrowed the gap to within 3. Yet that would be as close as it would get with further tries to Finigen, Bond, Howard and touching down for his first try in Super 12 was Justin Harrison who capped off an outstanding performance from the defending champions.

Once again it was the NSW lineout which suffered at the hands of the Brumbies losing 5 on their throw- a cardinal sin at that level, even the Blakehurst Blues have the ability to win their own ball.

A good season from the Waratahs but unfortunately for them they kept there 2 worst games until last conceding 147 points.

I caught with Coach Bob Dwyer this week who said they were still a young side particularly in the tight 5 and need to become mentally hardened!!!

My highlight was when George Gregan impersonated Mola from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ripping out the heart and holding it aloft when Graeme Bond wrapped up the game with his second try. I wonder what videos the boys have been watching this week......

Crusaders v didn’t really matter

The Crusaders continued on their winning way and are still undefeated for the year. Their strength is the consistency of all squad members, patience and the control of Marshall and Merthens, who both look to be back to their best. Merthens in particular was dynamic early on creating two opportunities, he targeted slower forwards close to the ruck and broke through for Mark Robinson to score.

The Highlanders hit back shortly after half time to give them a sniff when "Goldie" Jeff Wilson crossed for his last try!!!!! He has since said he will make a return to cricket........he has played One-Day cricket for NZ previously winning a match against Australia with a 4 off the last ball.....pity he still will be remembered as the bloke George Gregan tackled over the line to win the Bledisloe Cup.

Field goals form Aaron Mauger and Merthens wrapped up the game and in the end they were comfortable winners and therefore the right to host the final.

The Final

So after 3 months, 13 weeks and 68 matches it is down to two and what a match up it is.

In their previous meeting at Jade Stadium earlier this year the Brumbies scored four tries to two but were beaten in the last minute when Aaron Mauger snapped a field goal. Goal kicking was crucial with Stirling Mortlock having an off day & eventually handing over the duties to Andrew Walker, conversly Andrew Mertehens boot guided the Crusaders to victory.

This game may well be won and lost by Andre Watson who has a knack of being the star attraction, let's hope it isn't a penalty feast and the two teams who are able to play the way they want.

The game plan for the Crusaders will be fairly simple; play the ball in the opposition half and wait for penalties and mistakes, they will endeavor to force the Brumbies to run the ball out from there 22 a trap the brumbies can't fall into if they are going to overcome the best defensive team.

The Brumbies only have to look at there 2000 Grand Final match against the Crusaders at Bruce Stadium when the Crusaders tackled themselves to a stand still. That night they only had 39% of the ball but Merthens kicked the goals that mattered and forced the Brumbies into mistakes. Key players for the Crusaders are Marshall, Marhthens and Leon McDonald who will be starting fullback for the All Blacks this year. There pack is strong and gives nothing away and they have game breakers in Vuninbaka and Caleb Ralph who can go.

The 36,000 fans will be an asset but the Brumbies are experienced and have played under pressure for the past month having to win games to stay in the hunt.

Brumbies coach David Nucifora, (The Dirty Moroccan as he is known within the ranks), must devise a game plan where the Brumbies can exploit their smart kicking game. They have two great general kickers in Walker and Larkham to guide them around and give them field position to unleash there backs. Look for George Gregan to do more kicking then he generally does.

The key for the Brumbies is once again there underrated tight 5 who provide quality ball for the backs, Harrison has been dominating the lineout offensively and defensively. You heard it here first- the Brumbies front row of Darwin, Paul and Young will be the Wallaby front row.

Finigen is a key figure as he gives the team the go forward they need to gain quick release ball, Smith and Fava who has been playing very well; both pilfer a lot of the ball but will be up against rising star Richie McCaw.

Watching this week in the nation’s capital, I liked the look of the Brumbies backline. The thing that impressed me as they went through their moves was the pace that they hit on to the ball and the speed in which they transfer it, Howard moves into play 1st receiver on occasion which allows Larkham some freedom to drift wide. Greame Bond was unbeeeliiiieeeevvvvable last week and another big performance from him is required, the go to man will once again be Stirling Mortlock who was well contained last week by Burke. Look for him to hit back and target Merthens in defence- the only fraglie player in there team defensively.

They must be disciplined as they all know to well what Merthens can do. I can see the Brumbies just getting home- they have a great lineout and given that the conditions are expected to be wet and windy there will be more kicking that usual thus more line outs....

The spy would like to take this opportunity to thank the mole, the dirt man and the bar fly for there help over the last couple of weeks- I haven't been able to get to every session, or team meeting so it is great to know that I have other guys on the ground able to find out the ins and outs of each team.

Go the Brumbies by 8!!!!!

I welcome your comments & look forward to giving the fans more of what they want for the upcoming Wallaby fixtures.
Tue 22/03/2005 Sutherland Spy 36 views

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